Exploring Tombstones: Tree Stump Tombstones

I’ve always loved going on Cemetery Walks. I think some of the most beautiful and moving sculptures can be found in cemeteries. They can be personal statements about the individual or tributes to their lives… The symbolism found on stones can be endless! But today, I’d like to discuss one of my favorite kind of stones – and Churchville Cemetery just happens to have a whole section of these:

Tree stump tombstones

These tombstones, by their very nature, represent a life cut short. The cut or break in branches is usually jagged or rough to indicate a sudden or unexpected end of their life. Some can be quite tall and have branches, others may be quite short. Typically, if there are branches, it will indicate the number of children this individual or couple had. Similarly, if there is a double tree stump, where the branches intertwine or their roots meet, this indicates lives that were joined (usually in marriage).

There is any number of different kinds of Tree stump tombstones! Some can be quite plain with only the name of the individual interred. Others can be very intricate with animals or plants carved into the tree. During this stones popularity, they were readily available for purchase and those were the more plain stones. The tree stumps that were more intricate were often made specifically for that individual.

There are a few motifs that tend to be common on these kinds of tombstones:

• A dove nestled in a branch: This is a common Christian symbol of the Holy Spirit or purity

• A Squirrel: Symbolizes planning for the future and spiritual striving

• Christmas fern and English Ivy which stay green throughout the winter and symbolize the promise of life after death.

• Calla Lily, Oak leaf or Acorn: Represent resurrection

• Mushrooms: Symbolizes life emerging from decay or death

• Corn, Oats or Wheat: Representative of the biblical phrase “Bringing in the Sheaths” which links death and new life with the harvest.

What are your favorite tombstones or symbols?

Who we are

The first official burial at Churchville Cemetery took place in 1858.

Originally, the property for the Cemetery was part of the German Union Evangelical Emanuel Church. Throughout the years, Churchville Cemetery has been associated with the multiple incarnation of that Church (most currently Faith Community United Church of Christ.)

 

On January 20, 1932 the Churchville Cemetery Association was formed and the Cemetery became its own entity. Due to the financial hardships of the time, and the expense of perpetual care for the grounds, the Church and Cemetery split.

Sadly, much of the information on the Churchville Cemetery was lost in a fire that destroyed the church that stored those records and shared the property at the time.

Currently, the Churchville Cemetery Association is made up of a few devoted individuals who do their best to keep up with the demands of this cemetery.

Recently, the Association has found new friends in the Elmhurst Historical Society. It has been an exciting time for the Cemetery while the Historical Society took over and renovated the Churchville Schoolhouse which is now on the National Register of Historic Places!